10 Ways to Cut Your Energy Costs at Home

As energy rates continue rising, you are probably on the lookout for tips to reduce your usage and save money. Although big-ticket investments such as replacing the windows or installing high-performance HVAC systems certainly make your home more energy efficient, you can reduce energy costs sooner with virtually no up-front investment. Here’s what to do.

1. Check Your HVAC Air Filter

Check the filter once a month and replace it when it seems dirty, or every three months, whichever occurs first. The cost of a new filter can pay for itself by boosting efficiency, providing proper airflow, and keeping the HVAC equipment from overheating. Your home will quickly feel more comfortable and have healthier indoor air with a fresh filter in place.

2. Adjust Your Thermostat for Energy Savings

Maintain the temperature about 70 degrees or lower during the winter and increase it to 77 degrees or warmer for the summer. Then, choose clothes that suit the season to help you stay comfortable. 

3. Install a Programmable Thermostat

If you still have an old manual thermostat, get a programmable model. A smart thermostat pays for itself quickly via energy savings by allowing you to program setback periods while you’re at work or asleep. Automatic temperature recovery means you save money without ever feeling uncomfortable. Look for a smart Wi-Fi thermostat you can set up remotely for even greater opportunities to save.

4. Keep Up with Preventative HVAC Maintenance

Preventative maintenance delivers a great return on investment. First of all, it pays you back by lowering your energy bills. After all, a well-maintained HVAC system performs more effectively than a neglected one. You also reduce the risk of equipment failures and the required repair costs. Plus, your equipment is able to live a few years more when you care for it today.

5. Locate and Seal Air Leaks

Air leaks can develop wherever multiple building materials are found. Locate and seal these leaks to keep your home comfortable and decrease the strain on your HVAC system. Here are a few tips: 

  • Try to replace old weatherstripping to ensure windows and doors shut more tightly.
  • Re-caulk any cracks around windows and doors to seal out air leaks.
  • Put in expanding spray foam near wiring, plumbing, air ducts, and other penetrations in your home’s walls, ceilings and floors.
  • Close the fireplace damper whenever a fire isn’t being lit.

6. Use Solar Heat Gain to Your Benefit

During the summer, the goal is to block solar heat gain. Closing reflective curtains over the windows in the afternoon is a simple way to do this. If your budget has room, you could also plant trees on the south and west sides of your home. By selecting deciduous trees, you can enjoy a source of shade over the summer while still helping the sun to heat your home for free in the winter. 

7. Use Water Wisely 

Conserve this limited resource and reduce your water bills with some tips:

  • Take shorter showers as opposed to long baths.
  • Install low-flow showerheads and aerated faucets.
  • Shut off the water when you’re shaving and brushing your teeth.
  • Deal with drippy faucets, running toilets, and leaky pipes right away.

8. Unplug Electronics

Plug computers, printers, TVs, Blu-ray players, game consoles and other electronics into power strips. This way, you can shut them off with the flip of a switch when you are not using them. While you’re at it, unplug cell phone chargers and other adapters when you don’t need them to prevent small amounts of “phantom” energy consumption. 

9. Upgrade Your Light Bulbs

Do you still have old incandescent bulbs at home? Swap them out with LEDs to save as much as 70 percent on your lighting bills. Bulb replacement costs also decline as LEDs live about 25 times longer than incandescent lights.

10. Use Appliances Efficiently

Appliances are the energy hogs of the home. Lower costs with any of these tips:

  • Shut windows and doors when running the furnace or air conditioner.
  • Adjust the water heater temperature to 120 degrees and add an insulating blanket.
  • Only use the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads.
  • Don’t use the heated-dry function on your dishwasher.
  • Dry clothes outdoors when the weather is warm.
  • Reheat food in the microwave instead of the oven or stove, especially on summer afternoons.
  • If your local utility provider charges more for electricity around “peak times,” strive to use your appliances during low-peak periods.

Get Help Lowering Home Energy Costs

A lot of cost-cutting measures relate directly to your home heating, cooling and plumbing systems. If you need help implementing these tips, contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide affordable maintenance and repair work, alongside cost-effective installation and replacement services. Plus, with financing options available, even larger upgrades will suit your budget. For more details about our services or to request an estimate, please contact your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office today.

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